From Skeptic to Superfan: How One Trip to Disneyland Changed Emily's Mind

We're so back. Thanks for listening to our first episode back with a new name, Parkside Breaks. For our first episode we introduce our guest, Emily Dostie from Glass Slipper Concierge. We follow along with her as she reviews her trip to Disneyland. We break down why the West Coast parks feel calmer, kinder, and more walkable—and how that shift turns a packed itinerary into a truly luxurious experience. Think: direct hotel-to-park access at the Grand Californian, characters actually roaming, lighter Lightning Lane pressure, and mornings that don’t start in a sprint.

We compare the energy of Disney California Adventure to Hollywood Studios, gush over the length and thrill of the Incredicoaster, and get honest about Guardians of the Galaxy vs Tower of Terror. Cars Land glows like a memory you get to step into, and seasonal overlays—like Haunted Mansion’s Nightmare Before Christmas—show how Disneyland layers charm without adding chaos. Oogie Boogie Bash wins points for balance: sold-out party, but breezy lines, organic character moments, and candy trails that keep things moving.

Pulling back, we map smarter ways to travel across the Disney universe. VIP Tours that prioritize presence, Disney Cruise Line’s expanding ports for easier access beyond Florida, and curated Adventures by Disney that erase planning friction across Europe, Africa, and the American West. For the explorers at heart, National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions offer small-ship journeys to the Galápagos, Antarctica, and Iceland, guided by conservation and storytelling. Our takeaway is simple: luxury at Disney isn’t just a price point—it’s less stress and more time together.

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